By: Abdullahi Birnin Kebbi
Maiakwai Abubakar Shatima, a journalist based in Kebbi, narrowly escaped death when he was attacked by suspected assassins in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
Abdullahi Birnin Kebbi shares that the attack occurred around 11:30 PM as Shatima was returning from a visit to the residence of the spokesperson for the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Eyewitnesses reported that Shatima was confronted by six assailants who arrived on three motorcycles and in a car. They blocked his vehicle and attempted to forcibly pull him out. In a desperate bid to escape, Shatima rammed his car into one of the motorcycles, which had “DANMAKKA” written on it. However, he was overpowered by the attackers, who forcibly removed him from his car and abducted him.
The assailants drove Shatima to Dukku Bridge, located on the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi. During the ordeal, Shatima was beaten severely by his captors, who eventually left him for dead, believing he was no longer alive. Fortunately, he was later rescued by a motorcycle rider, known locally as an “okada” rider, who transported him to a hospital.
Shatima recounted his harrowing experience, stating, “I was treated at the Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital and later taken to a safe place where I am currently receiving treatment.” His survival is a testament to his resilience and the timely assistance he received from the okada rider.
While the assailants managed to escape, they abandoned one of their motorcycles at the scene, which has been linked to an individual named Haruna Na Makka, reportedly an errand boy for a high-ranking Kebbi state government official. As of now, no arrests have been made, despite the incident being reported to the authorities. The situation raises concerns about the safety of journalists in the region and the need for immediate action to address such violent attacks.